What happens to food in the stomach?

In the stomach, food undergoes a significant transformation primarily through the action of acids and enzymes. When food enters the stomach, it is mixed with gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes, particularly pepsin. This acidic environment helps to denature proteins in the food, making them easier to digest, and activates the enzymes that continue the breakdown of complex food molecules.

The food is not just sitting in the stomach for storage; instead, it is actively being broken down into a semi-liquid substance called chyme. This process is essential for facilitating the absorption of nutrients later on in the small intestine. The stomach’s muscular walls also contribute to mechanically churning the food, further aiding in this breakdown process.

Contrastingly, the other options describe processes that do not accurately represent what happens in the stomach. Chewing occurs in the mouth, absorption directly into the bloodstream happens primarily in the small intestine, and food does not travel directly to the large intestine without first passing through the stomach and small intestine. This highlights the vital role the stomach plays in digestion before nutrients can be effectively taken up by the body.